What Are the Do’s and Don’ts for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Living with peripheral neuropathy can feel like navigating a minefield of pain, numbness and balance problems. The easiest way to keep the condition from spiraling is to follow a clear set of guidelines that protect the nerves you still have and give the damaged ones a chance to heal. Below is a practical, evidence‑based checklist of what you should do and what you should avoid every day.

Do: Prioritize Foot Care – Inspect both feet each night for cuts, blisters, redness or calluses. Use a mirror or ask a partner for hard‑to‑see areas. Even a tiny abrasion can become a serious infection because loss of sensation masks warning signals. Keep nails trimmed straight, moisturize the skin (but avoid excess moisture between toes), and wear well‑fitted, breathable shoes that provide cushioning and support.

Don’t: Walk Barefoot – Even on carpet, walking without protection can expose the foot to hidden objects or temperature extremes that the nerves cannot detect. Always wear socks and shoes, especially outdoors.

Do: Move Regularly – Gentle, low‑impact aerobic activity such as brisk walking, swimming, or stationary cycling stimulates the “use‑it‑or‑lose‑it” principle of nerve health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, broken into manageable bouts. Incorporate balance drills (standing on one foot, heel‑to‑toe walks) to train proprioception and reduce fall risk.

Don’t: Remain Sedentary – Prolonged sitting or lying down worsens circulation and deprives nerves of the mechanical stimulation they need to stay functional. Set a timer to stand, stretch or walk for a few minutes every hour.

Do: Eat a Nerve‑Friendly Diet – Focus on whole, unprocessed foods rich in B‑vitamins, magnesium, omega‑3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Good choices include leafy greens, wild‑caught fish, nuts, seeds, eggs and lean poultry. Limit added sugars, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, which can exacerbate inflammation and blood‑sugar spikes that further damage nerves.

Don’t: Rely on Empty Calories – A diet high in sugary drinks, pastries and fried foods fuels oxidative stress and impairs mitochondrial function, making the energy crisis in nerve cells worse.

Do: Manage Blood Sugar – If you have diabetes or pre‑diabetes, keep hemoglobin A1c in the target range (generally below 7 %). Regular monitoring, medication adherence, and the glycemic‑support supplement Bio Glycozyme Forte (for diabetic patients) can keep glucose‑induced nerve injury at bay.

Don’t: Ignore Hyperglycemia – Persistently high blood glucose fuels sorbitol accumulation, which swells Schwann cells and pericytes, destroying myelin and blood‑vessel integrity.

Do: Support Mitochondrial Health – Take supplements that replenish intracellular NAD⁺ (NMN/Vitality Plus) and boost the electron‑transport chain (CoQ10 Plus). These nutrients restore the energy needed for nerve repair and reduce oxidative stress.

Don’t: Over‑Supplement Without Testing – Blindly stacking high‑dose vitamins can be counterproductive. Use intracellular NAD⁺ testing (available through Ginfinity Labs) to guide dosage and avoid unnecessary excess.

Do: Reduce Stress – Chronic cortisol elevation impairs blood flow, heightens inflammation and hampers DNA repair. Practice mindful breathing (4‑2‑6 rhythm), meditation, or gentle yoga for at least ten minutes daily.

Don’t: Let Stress Accumulate – Ignoring emotional or occupational stress can perpetuate the pain‑gate cycle, making symptoms feel worse.

Do: Get Quality Sleep – Aim for 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep in a dark, cool room. Sleep is when the body performs most of its DNA repair, myelin synthesis and mitochondrial rejuvenation.

Don’t: Pull All‑Nighters – Sleep deprivation spikes oxidative stress, raises blood pressure and impairs glucose metabolism—all of which aggravate neuropathy.

Do: Use Advanced Therapies When Indicated – Focused shockwave therapy, low‑level light therapy (LLLT), pulsed electromagnetic frequency (PEMF) and electrical stimulation (E‑Stim) have all been shown to improve circulation, break down scar tissue, boost neurotrophic factor production and restore protective sensation. A qualified practitioner can integrate these modalities into a personalized plan.

Don’t: Rely Solely on Medication for Pain – Drugs such as gabapentin or opioids may mask symptoms but do not address the underlying energy deficit, scar tissue or nutrient deficiencies. Use medication only as a temporary adjunct while you implement the comprehensive protocol.

Do: Stay Hydrated – Adequate water supports blood volume, nutrient transport and waste removal, all essential for healthy nerves.

Don’t: Drink Excessive Alcohol – Alcohol is neurotoxic; chronic use accelerates nerve degeneration and interferes with B‑vitamin absorption.

Following these do’s and don’ts creates an environment where nerves can repair, grow, and function more normally. If you need help designing a tailored plan that incorporates all of the above, contact our clinic for a free neuropathy evaluation. Call 507-524-4000 or 507-387-1222 or book online today and start your journey toward a neuropathy‑free future.

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This article should be used as an educational resource to help you explore lifestyle habits, self‐management techniques, and wellness ideas that may complement your neuropathy health journey.